ARTICLE · 03 FEBRUARY 2014

Can An Employee Consent To Sexual Harassment At Work?

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A recent decision of the British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal dealt with a complaint by Adele Kafer that she had been subjected to sexual harassment in her employment at Sleep Country Canada. -

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A recent decision of the British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal (2013 BCHRT 289) dealt with a complaint by Adele Kafer that she had been subjected to sexual harassment in her employment at Sleep Country Canada.

Ms. Kafer said that she was subjected to ongoing sexual harassment. For example, another employee, Arif, said "see you later bitch" to her in the presence of other employees. Arif also told her that he would only be able to sleep with her if he "roofied" her, in reference to a date rape drug. Arif then sent an e-mail from her email address on the company e-mail system referring to her as "gay and stupid and weird" and saying that "I wish I could have Arif he is the all mighty and has the biggest penis."

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